"Come prepared to laugh, cry and be moved all in one night of entertainment," said Reji Woods, who will direct "A Raisin in the Sun" at Susquehanna Stage this month.

The play tells the story of a few weeks in the life of the Youngers, a black family living on Chicago's South Side in the 1950s, Woods explained. "The Younger family struggles with poverty, racism and inner conflict as they strive for a better way of life," he stated.

Woods said he was drawn to directing the show because it's not only a classic piece of theater, but it was also the first play in which he ever performed. "I feel that many of the show's themes of loss, love, identity and family are all very universal, and this show is as relevant now as it was when Lorraine Hansberry wrote it," he noted. "The lessons learned are ones still in need of being taught today."

Daphnee McMaster, who portrays Beneatha Younger in the show, said audiences can expect to feel connected to what's happening on stage. "This show is authentic," she remarked. "The cast has been working tirelessly to create an experience that feels real to themselves and black audience-goers, who will see themselves represented from every stage of life. Expect to laugh, cry and dance with the story of a family struggling to make their dreams come true."

The matriarch of the Younger family is played by Raquel Rune Richardson, who said she found depth in the role of Lena Younger, who is faced with deciding what to do with $10,000 she receives from an insurance policy after her husband dies. "She's a mother that loves her children and she's committed to honoring the legacy of her husband by using the gift of the money to continue the family name in the sphere of her community influence," Richardson remarked. "She had a dream for her family and was courageous enough to make it a reality despite the very threat on her life and the lives of her family."

Although the show is about one family in a specific city at one point in history, audience members will see themselves on stage, Woods stated. "'A Raisin in the Sun' is a multifaceted show and no matter who you are, or what your background, you will find yourself somewhere in this story," he commented. "We want you to leave feeling like a member of the Younger family."

"A Raisin in the Sun" will be performed at Susquehanna Stage, 133 W. Market St., Marietta, at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 23; Fridays, June 17 and 24; and Saturdays, June 18 and 25, as well as at 2 p.m. on Sundays, June 19 and 26. For more information, visit http://www.susquehannastage.com.